Hot Topic launches DRM-free downloads

Author: Gareth Halfacree
Published: 31st October 2008
Comments (11) Stumble
Although the lifestyle portal is clearly aimed at a young audience, the technology behind the service is surprisingly well thought out.

Although the lifestyle portal is clearly aimed at a young audience, the technology behind the service is surprisingly well thought out.

These days it seems that everyone wants a piece of the music download pie, with even the most unlikely companies getting involved in the digital download biz: US-based wannabe-goth clothing retailer Hot Topic, for example.

According to BetaNews, the popular clothing chain has launched a new “lifestyle portal” dubbed ShockHound.com which features – amongst other things – a DRM-free MP3 download service from a range of genres. While it's always good to see a company go for the DRM-free option, I'm just a trifle confused what made Hot Topic decide to enter the increasingly crowded – and notoriously profit-free – digital download sector.

More interesting than the business decisions behind launch is the technology the site runs on. The backend file storage and distribution is handled by Amazon's S3 cloud storage system, with Adobe's AIR technology taking care of the front end with a snazzy looking desktop download manager. The lack of digital rights management on the songs means that there are no restrictions on what media player you use to listen to the music, and the use of the cross-platform AIR means that the service is truly platform agnostic.

Equally impressive is the cooperation the company has received from the 'big four' record labels: Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, Warner Music Group, and EMI have all entered into agreements to see their artists represented in the ShockHound store.

Do you think there's room for another digital download service in the market, or does iTunes have the sector all sewn up – DRM and all? Share your thoughts over in the forums.
Quote MrMonroe 31st October 2008, 13:43
What? How? How does the Apple Store fail to provide DRM free music and then ****ing Hot Topic manages to get the big four to agree to this?
Quote badders 31st October 2008, 13:44
I'm still sticking with my vinyl.
Quote Redbeaver 31st October 2008, 13:45
coz steve job is evil.
Quote Nictgsf 31st October 2008, 13:52
the reason I-tunes does not have DRM free music is because the major labels want to create more competition in the market and steer people away from I-tunes. It's a good tactic but probably wont be enough as no one else has the hardware support I-tunes has.
Quote ChaosDefinesOrder 31st October 2008, 15:42
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nictgsf
no one else has the hardware support I-tunes has.

wtf? what are you talking about? The iTunes hardware support is iPod or iPhone. Every other (DRM free) download store supports everything and anything that plays MP3 files.
Quote dylAndroid 31st October 2008, 15:54
This business move makes sense for Hot Topic. They are fundamentally about selling a lifestyle, and adding an online component allows them to build their cultural strength with their market. DRM-free fits with their counter culture image, whereas DRM would not.

Also, on the profitability of this action: the cost of operating should not be too significant, so turning some profit should be easily managed. The real strength is in the broader strategy -- strengthening their connection with their customers, and getting more people to check them out. This should translate to more business in their brick & mortar stores.
Quote BioSniper 31st October 2008, 17:34
I'm surprised nobody else picked up on Datz.com as its been widely publicised in the media.
Quote Firehed 31st October 2008, 18:00
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChaosDefinesOrder
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nictgsf
no one else has the hardware support I-tunes has.

wtf? what are you talking about? The iTunes hardware support is iPod or iPhone. Every other (DRM free) download store supports everything and anything that plays MP3 files.

And iPods are 85% of the market, so that's pretty much irrelevant.
Quote legoman666 1st November 2008, 17:12
Quote:
Originally Posted by Firehed
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChaosDefinesOrder
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nictgsf
no one else has the hardware support I-tunes has.

wtf? what are you talking about? The iTunes hardware support is iPod or iPhone. Every other (DRM free) download store supports everything and anything that plays MP3 files.

And iPods are 85% of the market, so that's pretty much irrelevant.

Until iPods can play .flacs without 3rd party firmware, I'm not buying one.
Quote Adnoctum 2nd November 2008, 11:17
Quote:
Originally Posted by Firehed
And iPods are 85% of the market

And 93% of all internet statistics are pulled out of the anuses of know-it-alls.

I vote for this as the BitTech Wild-A**-Statistical-Guess-Of-The-Week.
Quote s3v3n 2nd November 2008, 21:09
ipod's market doesn't include cellphones, pdas, incar mp3, dvd players, and gaming consoles. i've probably missed couple other things too.
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